Monthly Archives: July 2016

The Health Care Center at Paul’s Run is entering a new age of genetic testing as part of its commitment to world-class excellence in resident care and service.

Now, through a small DNA sample, which is procured through a simple swab of the inside of the mouth/cheek, clinical staff at Paul’s Run are able to quickly pinpoint the most effective medications for residents. The entire process yields results within five days—a breakthrough that Dolores Redner, Director of Health Services, says is astonishing.

“One of the difficulties doctors and nurses face in providing care is finding out which medications are best for an individual. In the past, trial and error was the only way possible to see how a resident would react to a medication. This process could take weeks and lead to frustration for residents and families,” she says.

Ultimately, the genetic testing will transform how medications are chosen to optimize treatment for residents. The DNA sample will paint a picture of how a person’s genetic makeup reacts to certain types of medications, providing insight that eliminates the inconvenience of trial and error by enabling staff to rapidly zero in on the medicines that are likely to be the best match for each particular resident.

Outcomes are expected to be very positive. Existing research on individuals whose care has been guided by this kind of genetic testing shows they experienced 70% greater improvement in depressive symptoms, as well as notable improvements in remission rates and response to drug interactions.

The entire process, which is covered by most insurance, is painless, non-invasive and time-saving. “Since DNA never changes, we only need to test a resident one time,” says Dolores.